Television

Cartoon Network bags Astra Award for ‘Monster Beach’

MUMBAI: Cartoon Network’s first Australian content commissioned for global distribution, Monster Beach, has taken home the 2015 Astra Award for ‘Most Outstanding Children’s Program.’

Cartoon Network premiered Monster Beach in Australia last Halloween. The special then aired across Asia became the number one show in its timeslot in markets including Taiwan and the Philippines, and was dubbed into several languages. Scheduled to air later this year, European audiences will be the next to enjoy the animated fun.

The original movie was commissioned by Cartoon Network and created by Melbourne-based animation studio Bogan Entertainment Solutions (BES). Monster Beach follows two siblings who visit their uncle on a secluded island for the summer, only to find the island in danger and the locals are surf-crazed monsters.

“The success of Monster Beach is a result of a collaboration between Cartoon Network’s executive production team in Hong Kong and BES in Melbourne,” said Turner International Asia Pacific chief content officer- kids content Mark Eyers. “It is a great example of how an international network can partner with Australia’s top talent to create locally-produced content that can reach audiences across the world,” he added.

Cartoon Network made Australia its first port of call in Asia Pacific last year on its international search for animation talent with Monster Beach delivering Australian flavour to international audiences with its distinctive animation style through BES’ involvement.

“Taking a project from the kitchen table through to international release has been an amazing experience. As has partnering with those whose belief in the concepts and the potential of Australian animation has been unswerving in its support,” said BES’ Monster Beach director Patrick Crawley.

“Working with Cartoon Network has meant we’ve had the opportunity to link some of the best Australian writing, design and animation talent with their contemporaries from around the world to deliver an outstanding project,” added Crawley.

Cartoon Network’s hit series Adventure Time, which is now in its sixth season, also had received a 2015 Astra Awards nomination for Most Outstanding Children’s Program.